Macron arrives in Syria in first visit by Western European head of state since Assad’s ouster

French President Emmanuel Macron has arrived in Syria, becoming the first Western European head of state to visit the country since Bashar al-Assad was ousted in 2024. It is also the first visit by a French president to Syria in 17 years.

Syria’s SANA news agency reported that Macron was welcomed by Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani. He is expected to meet with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa and take part in a roundtable discussion with delegations.

The talks will focus on regional and international developments, as well as opportunities to deepen cooperation in various fields.

Upon arriving in Damascus on the evening of July 6, Macron posted a message on X.

“I have come to express France’s commitment to the Syrian people. For a sovereign Syria, united in its diversity and at peace with its neighbors. Let us open together a new chapter of stability and peace,” he wrote.

Ahead of Macron’s visit, Ahmed al-Sharaa said in an interview with France’s BFMTV that the French president’s visit to Syria marks an important milestone in bilateral relations and reflects France’s long-standing support for the Syrian people. He said France had played a constructive role in efforts to lift sanctions against Syria.